Snooker legend John Spencer has died at the age of 70 after a long battle against stomach cancer.

The three-time world champion was a key figure behind the sport's big rise in popularity in the 1960s and 1970s.

R.I.P.

Im very saddened by his death.

He was one of my favourites to watch whilst growing up.

I remember he was on the recieving end of the first ever 147 maximum break recorded on TV, compiled by the great Steve Davis.

RIP John Spencer. :(

According to the BBC (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/snooker/5171212.stm) he was the first one to make a competitive 147 break.  (unless I've misunderstood it?  :-\\ )

According to the BBC (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/snooker/5171212.stm) he was the first one to make a competitive 147 break.  (unless I've misunderstood it?  :-\\ )


He was, but his was not the first televised one...Davis's was (and Spencer was on the receiving end of it, as holicman says...)

Certainly a gentleman of the game...there can't be many left now...RIP John...

John Spencer did compile a 147 break but it was adjudged that the pockets were oversized therefor it did not stand as official.

Of the heroes of the 60's era there are only a few left :

Jackie Rea
Ray Reardon
Rex Williams
Alex "hurricane" Higgins
Ray Edmonds

Of the seventies there are many more:
Pierre Mans
Graham Miles
John Virgo
Terry Griffiths
David Taylor
Silvino Francisco
Mark Wildman
Cliff Thorburn

Just to name a few.

Bill Werbuniuk (the fat canadian guy) died of a heart attack a few years ago aged 56 and Bernard Bennett was in his 70's when he died.

Im really still upset about John Spencer's death.

Eddie charlton died a few years ago, Cliff Wilson around a decade ago, same with John Pulman and Fred Davis.

Did anyone else here used to watch Pot Black?  That's where I know most of the snooker players from.

I was only a kid but yes I used to watch Pot black :)

The colours of the balls, the intensity of the players and the commentary of Ted Lowe intrigued me :)

Ted Lowe is still alive also........................he is 85.

I was only a kid but yes I used to watch Pot black :)

The colours of the balls, the intensity of the players and the commentary of Ted Lowe intrigued me :)



"For those watching in black and white the blue is behind the yellow"

"For those watching in black and white the blue is behind the yellow"


LOL !!! :D

Did anyone else here used to watch Pot Black?  That's where I know most of the snooker players from.
Do you remember Junior Pot Black, John Parrot won it one year.

I saw Spencer play a group of local players where I live around 1973. He was supposed to play Alex Higgins but Higgins withdrew over "problems" with the lighting. Spencer turned up...gave all of his opponents 4 or 5 blacks start...wiped the floor with them...then donated his attendance/winning fees to charities.

Oh yes....he then did an hour of trick shots...and donated a signed cue for raffling..........TOP GUY!!!

RIP John.

Did anyone else here used to watch Pot Black?  That's where I know most of the snooker players from.


Even before I got interested (to a certain degree) in the sport, the theme music would captivate me...

...which I found out many, many years later was Winnie Atwell's 'Black & White Rag'...

Same here Paul !!!

I loved the opening pot black sequence and the music !!!!!